Culture Craze

From Yoruba Legend to Global Sensation: The Story of ‘Iyanu,’ Africa’s New Animated Epic

Published

4 months ago

June 10, 2025

Chiraag

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For generations, we’ve cheered for heroes from distant galaxies and sprawling comic-book cities. We’ve loved their stories and celebrated their victories. But a question has always lingered in the air, a quiet hope passed down: where are the epic heroes born from our own legends?

That question now has a powerful, beautiful answer. A new hero is rising, with roots deep in the ancient, magical kingdom of Yorubaland. Her name is Iyanu, and her arrival marks a landmark moment for storytelling.

This June, the groundbreaking Nigerian animated series Iyanu is premiering on Showmax across 44 African countries, bringing a story that feels both magically new and wonderfully familiar. This isn’t just another show; it’s a celebration of culture, a showcase of talent, and an invitation for us all to see ourselves in a new kind of hero.

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A Hero Born of Magic and Mythology

At the heart of the story is Iyanu, a teenage orphan who believes she is ordinary. She yearns for a simple life, but destiny has grander plans. When a looming darkness threatens her people, a divine power awakens within her – an ability unseen since the fabled Age of Wonders.

Thrust into a role she never sought, Iyanu embarks on a breathtaking quest. She is joined by her loyal friends Biyi and Toye, and a majestic magical leopard, Ekun. Together, they must navigate a world steeped in the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture, music, and mythology to uncover an ancient evil and save their home. It’s a timeless story of courage, identity, and finding the extraordinary within.

A Nigerian Dream, Now a Global Reality

The journey of Iyanu to our screens is as inspiring as the tale itself. The series is the brainchild of Roye Okupe, creator of the acclaimed graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder. For Okupe, this is a deeply personal, full-circle moment.

“I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, watching superhero stories on DStv,” he shared. “To now see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment.”

From a dream in Lagos to a graphic novel published by the same powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy, and now to a global animated series – Okupe’s vision is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling.

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Image 1: Facebook/Iyanu the Series

The Voices and Sounds of Home

What gives Iyanu its undeniable soul is its authenticity. The series features an all-star, all-African voice cast that reads like a who’s who of Nollywood. Award-winning talents like Serah Johnson (as Iyanu), Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello bring these characters to life.

Lending her incredible talent to the theme song is none other than Nigerian Grammy nominee Yemi Alade. “Growing up, I always hoped to watch cartoons with characters that looked and sounded like me,” she said. “Right now, it’s happening, and I’m really happy to be part of it.” Her words capture the excitement felt across the continent.

More Than a Cartoon – It’s a Cultural Milestone

Even before its African premiere, Iyanu has made waves globally, soaring to the #1 spot on Cartoon Network and ranking as a top 10 hit on Max in the US. Hailed by critics as the “Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” the show’s success has already led to a greenlight for a second season and two feature films.

This is a powerful statement. Iyanu proves that stories rooted in African heritage have universal appeal and can stand proudly on the world stage.

Arriving on Showmax on Friday, 13 June – just in time for Father’s Day and the school holidays – this series is a gift. It’s a chance for families to gather and see a world both magical and familiar. It’s an invitation for a new generation to see a hero in their own image, and for many of us, it’s the show we wished we had growing up. Don’t miss it.